Freedom of Information Act 2000 Request

Information regarding the prosecution of Mrs M Ecclestone for murder

Request

Request, numbered for ease of reference:

1. The total cost of the prosecution of MRS MAVIS ECCLESTON for the murder of her terminally ill husband.

2. Who gave the final decision to prosecute.

Response

In response to point one, generally, where a request is made regarding prosecution costs, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will endeavour to provide counsel’s costs only.

This is because the CPS does not record time spent by internal lawyers, paralegals and administrative staff on a case by case basis. We can therefore only provide counsel costs regarding the prosecution referred to in part one of your request.

CPS West Midlands confirm that the total recorded prosecution costs were £38,567.10.

In response to point two, the name of the Prosecutor who made the decision to charge in the matter referred to is withheld, under section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act – Personal Information. For a more detailed explanation of this exemption please see the attached section 17 refusal notice.

Information Management Unit 020 3357 0788 IMU@cps.gov.uk